Method and apparatus for transporting ice

ABSTRACT

An ice transportation system includes an ice storage, a negative pressure system, a positive pressure system, a valve assembly, and an ice delivery control system. The ice storage delivers ice into the negative pressure system. The negative pressure system develops a partial vacuum that facilitates ice delivery from the negative pressure system into the valve assembly. The valve assembly receives the ice and meters the ice to the positive pressure system. The positive pressure system develops a plenum condition that facilitates ice delivery from the positive pressure system into an ice receptacle. The ice delivery control system controls the ice storage, the negative pressure system, the valve assembly, and the positive pressure system in the delivery of ice to the ice receptacle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to dispensing equipment and more particularly but not way of limitation to a system for generating, transporting and dispensing of ice without exposure to external contaminants.

2. Description of the Related Art

Currently, the state of the art for transporting and dispensing ice without exposing the ice to external contaminants is to use a vacuum system. The vacuum system pulls ice through a port as the ice is moved across the vacuum opening. After entering the port the ice (single cube) is entrained in the vacuum and moved along an ice transport tube by vacuum air flow. When the ice is near the desired dispense point, the air is directed up and the momentum of the ice is slowed by an increase in the diameter of the ice transport tube. The ice will reach a desired height and then continue in a forward direction under its own momentum. When the ice is above the desired dispense point, gravity pulls the ice down onto a clapper valve (vacuum check valve) located in an accumulation chamber. After entering the accumulation chamber the vacuum is turned off and the clapper valve releases the ice into an appropriate storage bin.

This method is sufficient for transporting ice when there is a sufficient amount of over head space above the ice storage bin. However, many ice storage bins cannot receive ice vertically based on where they are placed. An ice bin place under a tavern bar and many soda dispensers in fast food restaurants are examples of where it is impractical for the ice bin to receive ice vertically. In these settings, a vertical fill ice bin would block menu board visibility and obstruct customer interaction. Accordingly, an ice transport system that uses a vacuum to dispense ice to a remote location or locations without the use of a vacuum drop would be helpful.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses the aforementioned problems by using an ice transportation system comprising a negative pressure system interfaced with a positive pressure system via a valve assembly. An ice storage delivers ice into the negative pressure system, which, in turn, delivers the ice into the valve assembly. The valve assembly meters the ice into the positive pressure system such that the positive pressure system delivers the ice to an ice receptacle. The ice flow rate of the negative pressure system is synched to the ice flow rate of the positive pressure system, and the valve assembly interfaces the negative pressure system with the positive pressure system such that ice does not accumulate within the ice transportation system. An ice delivery control system is coupled with the ice storage, the negative pressure system, the valve assembly, and the positive pressure system to control the delivery of ice from the negative pressure system to the positive pressure system.

The valve assembly regulates the flow of ice from the negative pressure system into the positive pressure system while maintaining an airlock condition that preserves a partial vacuum in the negative pressure system and a plenum condition in the positive pressure system. The valve assembly includes a housing having an output tube communicating with the positive pressure system. The housing of the valve assembly further defines a chamber that includes an input aperture communicating with the negative pressure system and an output aperture communicating with the output tube. The valve assembly may be configured to discharge ice into multiple output tubes of the positive pressure system such that multiple ice receptacles may be serviced.

A metering system is disposed within the chamber for metering ice flow from the input aperture to the output aperture. The metering system and the chamber combine to maintain the airlock condition within the valve assembly. The metering system may comprise a valve and a driver, and in the preferred embodiments, the metering system is a rotary gate valve. The valve of the metering system includes blades connected to a shaft rotated by the driver. The blades of the metering system and the chamber create pockets within the chamber. The pockets compartmentalize the chamber and create an airtight seal within the chamber that separates the partial vacuum of the negative pressure system and the plenum condition of the positive pressure system. The pockets store and transport ice within the chamber, moving ice from the input aperture to the output aperture.

The ice delivery control system electrically connects with and controls the driver such that activation of the driver rotates the shaft and blades to facilitate ice transport from the negative pressure system to the positive pressure system while maintaining an airlock condition within the valve assembly. In particular, the rotation of the blades allows ice to fill the pockets when the pockets reside under the input aperture and further allows ice to discharge into the output tube when the pockets align with the output aperture.

The ice storage includes an ice delivery device that moves ice stored within the ice storage into the negative pressure system. The ice storage is coupled with an ice source that delivers ice to the ice storage. The ice storage further includes an ice storage sensory system that monitors ice levels within the ice storage. The ice delivery control system is electrically connected with the ice source and the ice storage sensory system such that the ice delivery control system activates the ice source to deposit ice within the ice storage responsive to a signal from the ice storage sensory system indicating the ice storage requires ice. Likewise, the ice delivery control system deactivates the ice source responsive to a signal from the ice storage sensory system indicating the ice storage holds a desired amount of ice.

The ice transportation system includes an ice request unit that outputs an ice request signal to the ice control system. The ice request unit can be a stand-alone device or integrated with the ice receptacle.

The ice delivery control system electrically connects with the ice storage, a vacuum motor of the negative pressure system, a vacuum motor of the positive pressure system, the valve assembly, and the ice request unit. Responsive to an ice request signal from the ice request unit, the ice delivery control system activates an ice delivery device within the ice storage to facilitate ice delivery from the ice storage to the negative pressure system as well as the vacuum motor of the negative pressure system to facilitate ice delivery from the negative pressure system to the valve assembly. The ice delivery control system further activates the valve assembly to facilitate a metered delivery of ice from the negative pressure system to the positive pressure system and the vacuum motor of the positive pressure system to facilitate ice delivery from the positive pressure system to the ice receptacle. Likewise, responsive to a signal from the ice request unit indicating a desired amount of ice has been delivered to the ice receptacle, the ice delivery control system deactivates the ice delivery device within the ice storage, the vacuum motors of the negative and positive pressure systems, and the valve assembly to stop ice delivery to the ice receptacle responsive.

A method of transporting ice includes delivering ice into a negative pressure system, while also creating a partial vacuum in the negative pressure system such that ice flows from the negative pressure system into a valve assembly. The method further includes metering ice from the valve assembly to a positive pressure system, while also creating a plenum condition in the positive pressure system such that ice flows from the positive pressure system into an ice receptacle. The method still further includes maintaining an airlock condition in the valve assembly that preserves the partial vacuum in the negative pressure system and the plenum condition in the positive pressure system. Ice delivery to the ice receptacle begins when an ice request unit outputs an ice request signal and ends when the ice request unit ceases output of the ice request signal.

Metering ice from the valve assembly to a positive pressure system includes rotating a rotary gate valve having a plurality of pockets. Rotation of the rotary gate valve moves a pocket under an input aperture such that ice is delivered into the pocket. Likewise, rotation of the rotary gate valve moves the pocket to an output aperture such that ice the pocket delivers ice into the positive pressure system.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to employ a negative pressure system interfaced with a positive pressure system to deliver ice to an ice receptacle.

Still other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become evident to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the following. Also, it should be understood that the scope of this invention is intended to be broad, and any combination of any subset of the features, elements, or steps described herein is part of the intended scope of invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an ice transportation system according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of air within the ice transportation system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an air flow separator of the ice transportation system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a valve assembly of the ice transportation system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a routine for supplying ice to an ice storage executed by an ice delivery control system of the ice transportation system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a routine for supplying ice to an ice receptacle executed by the ice delivery control system of the ice transportation system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an ice transportation system according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of air within the ice transportation system according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an air flow separator of the ice transportation system according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a valve assembly of the ice transportation system according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a side view illustrating the valve assembly of the ice transportation system according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating a routine for supplying ice to an ice storage executed by an ice delivery control system of the ice transportation system according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating a routine for supplying ice to an ice receptacle executed by the ice delivery control system of the ice transportation system according to the second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components or steps.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a first embodiment of an ice transportation system 10. The first embodiment of the ice transportation system 10 includes an ice source 12, an ice storage 14, a negative pressure system 20, a positive pressure system 30, a valve assembly 40, a ice receptacle 70, an ice request unit 71, and an ice delivery control system 100.

The ice source 12 and the ice storage 14 supply and store ice that is delivered into the negative pressure system 20. The ice source 12 delivers ice into the ice storage 14 and in the first embodiment of the invention the ice source 12 is an icemaker. Although an icemaker is used as the ice source 12 in the first embodiment, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other methods are suitable to deliver ice such as a manual delivery system. In addition, the ice storage 14 includes an ice storage sensory system 101 that monitors ice levels within the ice storage 14. The ice storage sensory system 101 comprises any suitable means capable of sensing the level of ice within the ice storage 14 and signaling the ice delivery control system 100. The ice storage 14 stores the ice supplied by the ice source 12 until it is ready to be distributed into the negative pressure system 20. The ice storage 14 includes an ice delivery device that moves ice stored within the ice storage 14 into the negative pressure system 20. The ice delivery device in the first embodiment is any device suitable to move ice such as a paddle wheel, auger, and the like.

The negative pressure system 20 includes a vacuum motor 21, a vacuum line 22, an ice transport tube 23, an airflow separator 24, and an ice delivery tube 25. The negative pressure system 20 links and therefore facilitates the transport of ice from the ice storage 14 into the valve assembly 40 of the first embodiment of the ice transportation system 10.

The vacuum motor 21 connects to the airflow separator 24 via the vacuum line 22 and is designed to pull air from within the negative pressure system 20. When activated the vacuum motor 21 creates a low pressure system within the vacuum motor 21 compared with the ambient air pressure inside the negative pressure system 20. This low-pressure system within the vacuum motor 21 creates a partial vacuum within the vacuum line 22, the ice transport tube 23, and the airflow separator 24 of the negative pressure system 20. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the partial vacuum pulls air that enters the negative pressure system 20 via the ice storage 14 through the negative pressure system 20 thereby facilitating the transport of ice from the negative pressure system 20 to the valve assembly 40. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that any vacuum motor suitable to create at least a partial vacuum within the negative pressure system may be used.

The ice transport tube 23 connects the ice storage 14 to the airflow separator 24 and can be made of any suitable material, but in the first embodiment is plastic. Ice that is ready for distribution into the negative pressure system 20 is removed from the ice storage 14 and deposited into the ice transport tube 23 using any suitable method. Ice travels within the ice transport tube 23 following a path that transports the ice from the ice storage 14 to the airflow separator 24.

FIG. 3 illustrates the airflow separator 24. The airflow separator 24 includes an ice transport connection tube 26, an ice delivery connection tube 27, and a vacuum line connection tube 28. The ice transport connection tube 26 connects to the ice transport tube 23, the ice delivery connection tube 27 connects to the ice delivery tube 25, and the vacuum line connection tube 28 connects to the vacuum line 22. The ice transport connection tube 26, the ice delivery connection tube 27, and the vacuum line connection tube 28 can be any suitable shape, but in the first embodiment they are cylindrical and form a T.

The airflow separator 24 is designed to reduce the velocity of ice entering the ice delivery tube 25 and ultimately exiting the ice delivery tube 25 to an end use device, which is the valve assembly 40 in the first embodiment. The airflow separator 24 reduces the velocity of the ice being transported within the negative pressure system 20 by varying the diameters of the ice transport connection tube 26, the ice drop connection tube 27, and the vacuum line connection tube 28. The vacuum line connection tube 28 of the airflow separator 24 is a greater diameter than the ice transport connection tube 26 and ice delivery connection tube 27. The increased diameter of the vacuum line connection tube 28 compared to the ice transport connection tube 26 and the ice delivery connection tube 27 reduces the velocity of the air being pulled through the airflow separator 24 by the vacuum motor 21. In addition, the increased diameter of the vacuum line connection tube 28 reduces the vacuum pressure within the airflow separator 24 thereby preventing ice from entering the vacuum line 22 of the negative pressure system 20. The reduced velocity of air within the airflow separator 24 reduces the velocity of the ice as it enters the airflow separator 24 from the ice transport tube 23. Ice passing into the ice delivery tube 25 from the airflow separator 24 will be traveling at a reduced velocity compared to ice within the ice transport tube 23. The airflow separator 24 accordingly reduces the velocity of ice exiting the ice delivery tube 25 such that the ice is not broken or damaged thereby maintaining the integrity of ice delivered from the negative pressure system 20. The airflow separator 24 can be made of any suitable material, but in the first embodiment is plastic.

The ice delivery tube 25 connects the airflow separator 24 to the valve assembly 40, and can be made of any suitable material, but in the first embodiment is plastic. Ice exiting the airflow separator 24 enters the ice delivery tube 25 and travels within the ice delivery tube 25 following a path that transports the ice from the airflow separator 24 into the valve assembly 40. In the first embodiment, the ice delivery tube 25 includes a substantially vertical portion that delivers the ice into the valve assembly 40 using the force of gravity, however, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the ice delivery tube 25 could be substantially horizontal thereby delivering the ice using the velocity imparted to the ice by the negative pressure system 20.

FIG. 4 illustrates the valve assembly 40. The valve assembly 40 includes a housing 41 defining a chamber 43, a metering system 42, and an output tube 44. The valve assembly 40 regulates the flow of ice from the negative pressure system 20 into the positive pressure system 30 while maintaining an airlock condition that preserves a partial vacuum in the negative pressure system 20 and a plenum condition in the positive pressure system 30.

The chamber 43 is substantially circular in shape and includes an input aperture 50 that communicates with the negative pressure system 20 and an output aperture 51 that communicates with the output tube 44. Ice entering the chamber 43 passes through the input aperture 50 and into the metering system 42, ice exiting the metering system 42 passes through the output aperture 51 and deposits into the output tube 44 of the valve assembly 40 wherein the ice is transported to the ice receptacle 70 by the plenum condition of the positive pressure system 30.

The metering system 42 includes a valve 52 and a driver 53, which in the first embodiment is an electric motor. The metering system 42 meters and regulates the flow of ice from the negative pressure system 20 to the positive pressure system 30. In addition, the metering system 42 in combination with the chamber 43 maintains an airlock condition within the valve assembly 40. The metering system 42 can be any suitable device that maintains the airlock condition and meters the ice such as ball valves, butterfly valves, globe valves, plug valves and the like. However, in the first embodiment the metering system 42 is a rotary gate valve.

The valve 52 in the first embodiment includes blades 54-57 and a shaft 58. The blades 54-57 connect to and rotate around the shaft 58. The shaft 58 connects to and is rotated by the driver 53. The valve 52 is similar to a revolving door in that the blades 54-57 and the walls of the chamber 43 create pockets 59-62 in the chamber 43. The pockets 59-62 compartmentalize the chamber 43 thereby creating an airtight seal within the chamber 43 that separates the partial vacuum of the negative pressure system 20 and the plenum condition of the positive pressure system 30. In addition, the pockets 59-62 store and transport ice within the chamber 43, moving ice from the input aperture 50 to the output aperture 51. The driver 53 rotates the shaft 58 and thus the blades 54-57. The rotation of the blades 54-57 allows ice to fill a pocket 59-62 of the valve 52 when that pocket 59-62 resides under the input aperture 50 of the chamber 43. Likewise, the rotation of the blades 54-57 allows ice to discharge into the output tube 44 when a pocket 59-62 resides over the output aperture 51.

The size and performance parameters of the particular valve assembly 40 included in the ice transportation system 10 are selected based upon the overall system requirements of the ice transportation system 10. In particular, the ice flow rate of the negative pressure system 20 is synched to the ice flow rate of the positive pressure system 30, and the valve assembly 40 interfaces the negative pressure system 20 with the positive pressure system 30 such that ice does not accumulate within the ice transportation system 10, potentially resulting in a stoppage of its operation. Accordingly, the rotational speed of the blades 54-57 and the size of the pockets 59-62 are set to provide a smooth and constant flow of ice from the negative pressure system 20 to the positive pressure system 30. While the first embodiment discloses the blades 54-57, those of ordinary skill in the art however will recognize that less than four or more than four blades may be used.

The output tube 44 of the valve assembly 40 receives ice from the output aperture 51 and connects with the positive pressure system 30 such that the positive pressure system 30 acts upon ice received therein. In the first embodiment, the valve assembly 40 includes the output tube 44, however, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the valve assembly 40 could connect directly to the positive pressure system 30.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the positive pressure system 30. The positive pressure system 30 includes a vacuum motor 31, an airflow line 32, and an ice receptacle tube 33. The positive pressure system 30 links and therefore facilitates the transport of ice from the valve assembly 40 into the ice receptacle 70 of the ice transportation system 10.

The vacuum motor 31 connects to the output tube 44 of the valve assembly 40 via the airflow line 32 and is designed to push air within the positive pressure system 30. When activated the vacuum motor 31 creates a low pressure system within the vacuum motor 31 compared with the air pressure outside of the vacuum motor 31. This low-pressure system within the vacuum motor 31 creates a partial vacuum within the vacuum motor 31 thereby pulling air from outside the vacuum motor 31 and pushing that air creating a plenum condition within the airflow line 32, the output tube 44 of the valve assembly 40, and the ice receptacle tube 33.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the plenum condition within the airflow line 32, the output tube 44 of the valve assembly 40, and the ice receptacle tube 33 facilitates the transport of ice from the positive pressure system 30 to the ice receptacle 70. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that any vacuum motor suitable to create a plenum condition within the positive pressure system may be used. The airflow line 32 connects the vacuum motor 31 to the output tube 44 of the valve assembly 40 and can be made of any suitable material, but in the first embodiment is plastic. When the vacuum motor 31 is activated, air travels from the vacuum motor 31 through the airflow line 32 and into the output tube 44 of the valve assembly 40, before exiting into the ice receptacle tube 33.

The ice receptacle tube 33 connects to the output tube 44 of the valve assembly 40, and can be made of any suitable material, but in the first embodiment is plastic. Ice exiting the output tube 44 enters the ice receptacle tube 33 and travels within the ice receptacle tube 33 following a path that transports the ice from the output tube 44 into the ice receptacle 70. In the first embodiment, the ice receptacle tube 33 includes a substantially vertical portion that delivers the ice into the ice receptacle 70 using the force of gravity, however, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the ice receptacle tube 33 could be substantially horizontal thereby delivering the ice using the velocity imparted to the ice by the positive pressure system 30.

The ice receptacle 70 stores ice that has been transported through the ice transportation system 10. The ice receptacle 70 can be any suitable device or container that stores ice including but not limited to a portable ice chest such as an igloo, an ice bin, an ice dispensing machine, an ice/beverage dispensing machine, an automatic ice bagger, a chilled product display, and the like.

In order to supply ice and deliver ice to the ice receptacle 70 the ice transportation system 10 includes an ice request unit 71. The ice request unit 71 is designed to output a signal to the ice control system 100 that requests the ice control system 100 dispense an appropriate amount of ice. The ice request unit 71 may be a stand-alone device connected with the ice transportation system 10, a device integrated with the ice transportation system 10, or a device integrated with the ice receptacle 70 and connected with the ice control system 100. Examples of the ice request unit 71 include but are not limited to a button pressed and held to facilitate ice delivery from the ice transportation system 10; a button pressed to initiate a timed delivery of ice from the ice transportation system 10; a weight sensor; or a level sensor within the ice receptacle 70, such as an optic sensor comprised of a photo-emitter and detector pair that initiates ice delivery from the ice transportation system 10 when the ice receptacle 70 requires ice and ends delivery when ice in the ice receptacle 70 reaches a predetermined level. The ice request unit 71 may be used in combination with a payment mechanism, such as a bill and change reader or credit card scanner, to take payment from a consumer prior to ice delivery.

In order to interface with an ice receptacle 70 and deliver ice thereto, the ice transportation system 10 according to the first embodiment includes an ice delivery control system 100 that implements an operational routine for operating the ice transportation system 10. Although those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize many suitable means for executing an operational routine for the ice transportation system 10, the ice delivery control system 100 according to the first embodiment comprises a standard microcontroller widely known in the industry.

The ice delivery control system 100 in the example of the first embodiment is electrically connected with the ice transportation system 10 and the components thereof, and, in particular, with the ice source 12, the ice storage 14, the vacuum motor 21, the vacuum motor 31, the driver 53 of the metering system 42, and the ice request unit 71.

In the first embodiment, the ice source 12 includes an ice storage sensory system 101 that comprises any suitable means capable of sensing the level of ice within the ice storage 14 and signaling the ice delivery control system 100. The ice storage sensory system 101 is an optic sensor, such as photo-emitter and detector pair, which determines the level of ice within the ice storage 14 and outputs a signal to the ice delivery control system 100. Responsive to a signal from the ice storage sensory system 101 indicating the ice storage 14 requires ice, the ice delivery control system 100 activates the ice source 12 (an icemaker in the first embodiment) and begins to deposit ice within the ice storage 14. Likewise, responsive to a signal from the ice storage sensory system 101 indicating the ice storage 14 holds a desired amount of ice, the ice delivery control system 100 deactivates the ice source 12.

Continuing the example of the first embodiment, the ice request unit 71 outputs an ice request signal to the ice delivery control system 100. Responsive to the ice request signal, the ice delivery control system 100 activates the ice delivery device within the ice storage 14, the vacuum motor 21, the vacuum motor 31, and the driver 53 of the metering system 42 to deliver ice to the ice receptacle 70. In particular, the ice delivery device within the ice storage 14 deposits ice into the ice transport tube 23 of the negative pressure system 30 whereupon the ice is acted upon by the partial vacuum created by the vacuum motor 21 and transported through the ice transport tube 23, the airflow separator 24, and the ice delivery tube 25. After passing into the ice delivery tube 25, ice travels through the ice delivery tube 25 and into the valve assembly 40.

The ice delivered into the valve assembly 40 enters the metering system 42 via the input aperture 50 whereupon the ice encounters the valve 52, which is rotating due to activation of the driver 53. The ice enters a pocket 59-62 of the valve 52 currently rotated beneath the input aperture 50. The ice within the pocket 59-62 then rotates about the chamber 43 of the valve assembly 40 until it reaches the output aperture 51 whereupon the ice is deposited into the output tube 44.

Ice entering the output tube 44 is acted upon by the plenum condition created by the vacuum motor 31 and transported through the output tube 44 into the ice receptacle tube 33 and finally deposited into the ice receptacle 70. Once a desired amount of ice has been delivered to the ice receptacle 70, the ice request unit 71 ends the ice request signal, and, responsive thereto, the ice delivery control system 100 deactivates the ice delivery device within the ice storage 14, the vacuum motor 21, the vacuum motor 31, and the driver 53 of the metering system 42, thereby ceasing delivery of ice to the ice receptacle 70.

It should be understood that the ice delivery control system 100 may comprise a stand-alone unit for integration and engagement with the ice transportation system 10. The ice delivery control system 100 may comprise a master controller that operates the components of the ice transportation system 10 as well as any connected ice output system in place of control systems for the connected ice output systems. Alternatively, the ice delivery control system 100 may be a separate “add-on” unit linked and in engagement with each component of the ice transportation system 10, such as controllers for the ice delivery device within the ice storage 14, the vacuum motor 21, the vacuum motor 31, and the driver 53 of the metering system 42, which operate independently in response to signals from the ice delivery control system 100.

Having previously described the operation of the ice storage sensory system 101, the ice delivery device within the ice storage 14, the vacuum motor 21, the vacuum motor 31, the driver 53 of the metering system 42, and the ice request unit 71 in conjunction with the ice delivery control system 100, the operational steps performed by the ice delivery control system 100 in delivering ice to the ice storage 14 and the ice receptacle 70 will be described herein with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. In FIGS. 5 and 6, diamond blocks represent decision functions and rectangular blocks represent processing and control functions.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the ice delivery control system 100 begins in step 500 and continuously monitors the ice storage sensory system 101 to determine whether the ice storage 14 requires the delivery of ice. In particular, the ice delivery control system 100 in step 500 determines if the ice storage sensory system 101 has sent a signal requesting delivery of ice to the ice storage 14. If the ice storage sensory system 101 has not requested delivery of ice to the ice storage 14, the ice delivery control system 100 continues in step 500 to monitor the ice storage sensory system 101. Conversely, a request for ice delivery from the ice storage sensory system 101 results in the ice delivery control system 100 proceeding to step 501 and activating the ice source 12 (an ice maker in the first embodiment). Responsive thereto, the ice source 12 begins supplying ice to the ice storage 14. After activating the ice source 12, the ice delivery control system 100 proceeds to step 502 and determines whether the ice storage sensory system 101 has output a cease delivery signal. If the ice storage sensory system 101 has not output a cease delivery signal, the ice delivery control system 100 continues in step 502 to monitor the ice storage sensory system 101. Conversely, a cease delivery signal from the ice storage sensory system 101 results in the ice delivery control system 100 proceeding to step 503 and deactivating the ice source 12. Responsive thereto, the ice source 12 stops supplying ice to the ice storage 14. After deactivating the ice source 12, the ice delivery control system 100 returns to step 500 for continued monitoring of the ice storage sensory system 101 for a signal requesting ice.

In addition to monitoring the ice storage sensory system 101, the ice delivery control system 100 continuously monitors the ice request unit 71 to determine whether the ice receptacle 70 requires the delivery of ice. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the ice delivery control system 100 begins in step 600 and continuously monitors the ice request unit 71 to determine whether the ice receptacle 70 requires the delivery of ice. In particular, the ice delivery control system 100 in step 600 determines if the ice request unit 71 has sent a signal requesting delivery of ice to the ice receptacle 70. If the ice request unit 71 has not requested delivery of ice to the ice receptacle 70, the ice delivery control system 100 continues in step 600 to monitor the ice request unit 71. Conversely, a request for ice delivery from the ice request unit 71 results in the ice delivery control system 100 proceeding to step 601 and activating the ice delivery device within the ice storage 14, the vacuum motor 21, the vacuum motor 31, and the driver 53 of the metering system 42, thereby initiating the delivery of ice to the ice receptacle 70. After activating the ice delivery device within the ice storage 14, the vacuum motor 21, the vacuum motor 31, and the driver 53 of the metering system 42, the ice delivery control system 100 proceeds to step 602 and determines whether the ice request unit 71 has output a cease delivery signal. If the ice storage sensory system 101 has not output a cease delivery signal, the ice delivery control system 100 continues in step 602 to monitor the ice request unit 71. Conversely, a cease delivery signal from the ice request unit 71 results in the ice delivery control system 100 proceeding to step 603 and deactivating the ice delivery device within the ice storage 14, the vacuum motor 21, the vacuum motor 31, and the driver 53 of the metering system 42. Responsive thereto, the ice delivery device within the ice storage 14, the vacuum motor 21, the vacuum motor 31, and the driver 53 of the metering system 42 stop supplying ice to the ice receptacle 70. After deactivating the ice delivery device within the ice storage 14, the vacuum motor 21, the vacuum motor 31, and the driver 53 of the metering system 42, the ice delivery control system 100 returns to step 600 for continued monitoring of the ice request unit 71 for a signal requesting ice.

FIGS. 7-8 illustrate a second embodiment of an ice transportation system 10. The second embodiment of the ice transportation system 10 includes an ice source 200, an ice storage 201, a negative pressure system 204, a positive pressure system 220, a valve assembly 210, ice receptacles 270-272, an ice request unit 293, and an ice delivery control system 300.

The ice source 200 and the ice storage 201 supply and store ice that is delivered into the negative pressure system 204. The ice source 200 delivers ice into the ice storage 201 and in the second embodiment of the invention the ice source 200 is an icemaker. Although an icemaker is used as the ice source 200 in the second embodiment, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other methods are suitable to deliver ice such as a manual delivery system. In addition, the ice storage 201 includes an ice storage sensory system 203 that monitors ice levels within the ice storage 201. The ice storage sensory system 203 comprises any suitable means capable of sensing the level of ice within the ice storage 201 and signaling the ice delivery control system 300. The ice storage 201 stores the ice supplied by the ice source 200 until it is ready to be distributed into the negative pressure system 204. The ice storage 201 includes an ice delivery device that moves ice stored within the ice storage 201 into the negative pressure system 202. The ice delivery device in the second embodiment is any device suitable to move ice such as a paddle wheel, auger, and the like.

The negative pressure system 204 includes a vacuum motor 205, a vacuum line 206, an ice transport tube 207, an airflow separator 208, and an ice delivery tube 209. The negative pressure system 204 links and therefore facilitates the transport of ice from the ice storage 201 into the valve assembly 210 of the second embodiment of the ice transportation system 10.

The vacuum motor 205 connects to the airflow separator 208 via the vacuum line 206 and is designed to pull air from within the negative pressure system 204. When activated the vacuum motor 205 creates a low pressure system within the vacuum motor 205 compared with the ambient air pressure inside the negative pressure system 204. This low-pressure system within the vacuum motor 205 creates a partial vacuum within the vacuum line 206, the ice transport tube 207, and the airflow separator 208 of the negative pressure system 204. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the partial vacuum pulls air that enters the negative pressure system 204 via the ice storage 201 through the negative pressure system 204 thereby facilitating the transport of ice from the negative pressure system 204 to the valve assembly 210. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that any vacuum motor suitable to create at least a partial vacuum within the negative pressure system may be used.

The ice transport tube 207 connects the ice storage 201 to the airflow separator 208 and can be made of any suitable material, but in the first embodiment is plastic. Ice that is ready for distribution into the negative pressure system 204 is removed from the ice storage 201 and deposited into the ice transport tube 207 using any suitable method. Ice travels within the ice transport tube 207 following a path that transports the ice from the ice storage 201 to the airflow separator 208.

FIG. 9 illustrates the airflow separator 208. The airflow separator 208 includes an ice transport connection tube 280, an ice delivery connection tube 281, and a vacuum line connection tube 282. The ice transport connection tube 280 connects to the ice transport tube 207, the ice delivery connection tube 281 connects to the ice delivery tube 209, and the vacuum line connection tube 282 connects to the vacuum line 206. The ice transport connection tube 280, the ice delivery connection tube 281, and the vacuum line connection tube 282 can be any suitable shape, but in the first embodiment they are cylindrical and form a T.

The airflow separator 208 is designed to reduce the velocity of ice entering the ice delivery tube 209 and ultimately exiting the ice delivery tube 209 to an end use device, which is the valve assembly 210 in the second embodiment. The airflow separator 208 reduces the velocity of the ice being transported within the negative pressure system 204 by varying the diameters of the ice transport connection tube 280, the ice drop connection tube 281, and the vacuum line connection tube 282. The vacuum line connection tube 282 of the airflow separator 208 is a greater diameter than the ice transport connection tube 207 and ice delivery connection tube 209. The increased diameter of the vacuum line connection tube 282 compared to the ice transport connection tube 280 and the ice delivery connection tube 281 reduces the velocity of the air being pulled through the airflow separator 208 by the vacuum motor 205. In addition, the increased diameter of the vacuum line connection tube 282 reduces the vacuum pressure within the airflow separator 208 thereby preventing ice from entering the vacuum line 206 of the negative pressure system 204. The reduced velocity of air within the airflow separator 208 reduces the velocity of the ice as it enters the airflow separator 208 from the ice transport tube 207. Ice passing into the ice delivery tube 209 from the airflow separator 208 will be traveling at a reduced velocity compared to ice within the ice transport tube 207. The airflow separator 208 accordingly reduces the velocity of ice exiting the ice delivery tube 209 such that the ice is not broken or damaged thereby maintaining the integrity of ice delivered from the negative pressure system 204. The airflow separator 208 can be made of any suitable material, but in the second embodiment is plastic.

The ice delivery tube 209 connects the airflow separator 208 to the valve assembly 210, and can be made of any suitable material, but in the second embodiment is plastic. Ice exiting the airflow separator 208 enters the ice delivery tube 209 and travels within the ice delivery tube 209 following a path that transports the ice from the airflow separator 208 into the valve assembly 210. In the second embodiment, the ice delivery tube 209 includes a substantially vertical portion that delivers the ice into the valve assembly 210 using the force of gravity, however, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the ice delivery tube 209 could be substantially horizontal thereby delivering the ice using the velocity imparted to the ice by the negative pressure system 204.

FIGS. 10-11 illustrate the valve assembly 210. The valve assembly 210 includes a housing 211 defining a chamber 212, a metering system 213, and plenum input ports 214-216 aligned with a respective one of plenum output ports 217-219. In the second embodiment, each plenum input port 214-217 communicates with the positive pressure system 220 such that the positive pressure system 220 applies a plenum condition to only one plenum input port 214-217 and its respective plenum output port 217-219 at any given time. The valve assembly 210 regulates the flow of ice from the negative pressure system 204 into the positive pressure system 220 while maintaining an airlock condition that preserves a partial vacuum in the negative pressure system 204 and a plenum condition in the positive pressure system 220. In addition, the valve assembly 210 distributes ice into the positive pressure system 220 such that the positive pressure system 220 achieves ice delivery to multiple end uses, which in the second embodiment are ice receptacles 270-272.

The chamber 212 of the valve assembly 210 includes an input aperture 250 that communicates with the negative pressure system 204. Ice entering the chamber 212 passes through the input aperture 250 and into the metering system 213, which, in turn, moves the ice to the plenum output ports 217-219 of the valve assembly 210. Since the positive pressure system 220 in the second embodiment applies the plenum condition to only one plenum input port 214-217 and its respective plenum output port 217-219 at any given time, the ice moves through only one plenum output port 217-219 to a corresponding one of the ice receptacles 270-272.

The metering system 213 includes a valve 230 and a driver 231, which in the second embodiment is an electric motor. The metering system 213 meters and regulates the flow of ice from the negative pressure system 204 to the positive pressure system 220. In addition, the metering system 213 in combination with the chamber 212 maintains an airlock condition within the valve assembly 210 that separates the partial vacuum of the negative pressure system 204 from the plenum condition of the positive pressure system 220. The metering system 213 can be any suitable device that maintains the airlock condition and meters the ice such as ball valves, butterfly valves, globe valves, plug valves and the like. However, in the second embodiment the metering system 213 is a rotary gate valve.

The valve 230 of the metering system 213 includes blades 232-236 and a shaft 237. The blades 232-236 connect to and rotate around the shaft 237. The shaft 237 connects to and is rotated by the driver 231. The valve 230 is similar to a revolving door in that the blades 232-236 and the walls of the chamber 212 create pockets 238-242 in the chamber 212. The pockets 238-242 compartmentalize the chamber 212 thereby creating an airtight seal within the chamber 212 that separates the partial vacuum of the negative pressure system 204 from the plenum condition of the positive pressure system 220.

In addition, the pockets 238-242 store and transport ice within the chamber 212, moving ice from the input aperture 250 and exposing the ice within the chamber 212 to the plenum input ports 214-216 and their respective plenum output ports 217-219. The driver 231 rotates the shaft 237 and thus the blades 232-236. The rotation of the blades 232-236 allows ice to fill a pocket 238-242 of the valve 230 when that pocket 238-242 resides adjacent to the input aperture 250 of the chamber 212. Likewise, continued rotation of the blades 232-236 exposes the ice filled pocket 238-242 to the plenum input ports 214-216 and their respective plenum output ports 217-219. When the ice filled pocket 238-242 aligns with the plenum input port 214-216 and its respective plenum output port 217-219 experiencing the plenum condition created by the positive pressure system 220, the ice within the pocket 238-242 discharges through the plenum output port 217-219 and is transported to a corresponding ice receptacle 270-272.

The size and performance parameters of the particular valve assembly 210 included in the second embodiment of the ice transportation system 10 are selected based upon the overall system requirements of the ice transportation system 10. For example, the ice flow rate of the negative pressure system 204 is synched to the ice flow rate of the positive pressure system 220, and the valve assembly 210 interfaces the negative pressure system 204 with the positive pressure system 220 such that ice does not accumulate within the ice transportation system 10, potentially resulting in a stoppage of its operation. Accordingly, the rotational speed of the blades 232-236 and the size of the pockets 238-242 are set to provide a smooth and constant flow of ice from the negative pressure system 204 to the positive pressure system 220. While the second embodiment discloses the blades 232-236, those of ordinary skill in the art however will recognize that less than five or more than five blades may be used. Furthermore, while the valve assembly 210 in the second embodiment discloses three plenum input ports 214-216 and corresponding plenum output ports 217-219, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that more than three or less than three plenum input ports 214-216 and corresponding plenum output ports 217-219 may be used to supply ice to more than three or less than three ice receptacles 270-272.

The positive pressure system 220 includes a vacuum motor 260, airflow lines 261, a manifold 262, plenum input tubes 263-265, plenum output tubes 266-268, and valves 273-275. The positive pressure system 220 links and therefore facilitates the transport of ice from the valve assembly 210 into the ice receptacles 270-272 of the second embodiment for the ice transportation system 10.

The vacuum motor 260 is designed to push air within the positive pressure system 220 and connects to the plenum input ports 214-216 of the valve assembly 210 via the plenum input tubes 263-265, the manifold 262, and the airflow line 261. When activated the vacuum motor 260 creates a low pressure system within the vacuum motor 260 compared with the air pressure outside of the vacuum motor 260. This low-pressure system within the vacuum motor 260 creates a partial vacuum within the vacuum motor 260 thereby pulling air from outside the vacuum motor 260 and pushing that air creating a plenum condition within the airflow line 261, the manifold 262, the plenum input tubes 263-265, and the plenum output tubes 266-268. In addition, the plenum condition created by the vacuum motor 260 passes into the valve assembly 210 through the plenum input ports 214-216 of the valve assembly 210 and their corresponding plenum output ports 217-219. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that any vacuum motor suitable to create a plenum condition within the positive pressure system 220 may be used.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the plenum condition within the airflow line 261, the manifold 262, the plenum input tubes 263-265, the plenum output tubes 266-268, and the valve assembly 210 facilitates the transport of ice from the plenum output tubes 266-268 of the positive pressure system 30 to the ice receptacles 270-272. The airflow line 261 attaches to the vacuum motor 260 at a first end and the manifold 262 at a second end. The airflow line 261 transports the plenum condition created by the vacuum motor 260 from the vacuum motor 260 to the manifold 262. The manifold 262 connects to the airflow line 261 at a manifold input port 294 and to the plenum input tubes 263-265 via a respective manifold output port 295-297. The plenum input tubes 263-265 connect to the manifold 262 at first ends and to a corresponding plenum input port 214-216 of the valve assembly 210 at second ends. The plenum input tubes 263-265 transport the plenum condition created by the vacuum motor 260 from manifold 262 to the plenum input ports 214-216 and their respective plenum output ports 217-219. The plenum output tubes 266-268 connect to the plenum output ports 217-219 at first ends and to a corresponding ice receptacle 270-272 at second ends. The plenum output tubes 266-268 allow the plenum condition to exit the valve assembly 210 via the plenum output ports 217-219. In addition, the plenum output tubes 266-268 deliver ice exiting the valve assembly 210 through the plenum output ports 217-219 to a corresponding ice receptacle 270-272.

As previously described, the positive pressure system 220 operates with only one plenum input tube 263-265 open at any given time to the plenum condition created by the positive pressure system 220. The plenum input tubes 263-265 accordingly include a respective one of the valves 273-275 installed therein. Responsive to an ice request from the ice request unit 293, the valve 273-275 corresponding with the plenum input tube 263-265 coupled with the appropriate ice receptacle 270-272 opens. As a result, the vacuum motor 260 applies the plenum condition to the appropriate plenum input port 217-219, thereby delivering ice to the requesting ice receptacle 270-272. In the second embodiment, the valves 273-275 electrically connect to and are controlled by the ice delivery control system 300. By opening only one of the valves 273-275 at any given time, only one of the plenum input ports 214-216 and its respective plenum output port 217-219 receives the plenum condition upon activation of the vacuum motor 260. The incorporation of the manifold 262 and the plenum input tubes 263-265 with respective valves 273-275 in the positive pressure system 220 facilitates delivery of ice to multiple end uses (i.e., the ice receptacles 270-272). The valves 273-275 may be any suitable device capable of blocking the plenum input tubes 263-265 from receiving the plenum condition, however, the valves 273-275 in the second embodiment of the ice transportation system 10 are solenoid valves.

The ice receptacles 270-272 store ice that has been transported through the ice transportation system 10 according to the second embodiment. The ice receptacles 270-272 can be any suitable device or container that stores ice including but not limited to a portable ice chest such as an igloo, an ice bin, an ice dispensing machine, an ice/beverage dispensing machine, an automatic ice bagger, a chilled product display, and the like.

The ice transportation system 10 according to the second embodiment includes at least one ice request unit 293 to facilitate the supply and delivery of ice to the ice receptacles 270-272. The ice request unit 293 outputs a signal or signals to the ice control system 300 that requests the ice control system 300 dispense an appropriate amount of ice at the appropriate location. The ice request unit 293 may be a stand-alone device connected with the ice transportation system 10 of the second embodiment, a device integrated with the ice transportation system 10 of the second embodiment, or a device integrated with each of the ice receptacles 270-272 and connected with the ice control system 300. In the second embodiment, the at least one ice request unit 293 comprises an ice request unit 293 integrated with each of the ice receptacles 270-272. Examples of the ice request unit 293 include but are not limited to a button pressed and held to facilitate ice delivery from the ice transportation system 10 of the second embodiment; a button pressed to initiate a timed delivery of ice from the ice transportation system 10 of the second embodiment; a weight sensor or a level sensor within the ice receptacles 270-272, such as an optic sensor comprised of a photo-emitter and detector pair that initiates ice delivery from the ice transportation system 10 of the second embodiment when one of the ice receptacles 270-272 requires ice and ends delivery when ice in the ice receptacle 270-272 reaches a predetermined level. The ice request unit 293 may be used in combination with a payment mechanism, such as a bill and change reader or credit card scanner, to take payment from a consumer prior to ice delivery.

In order to interface with the ice receptacles 270-272 and deliver ice thereto, the ice transportation system 10 according to the second embodiment includes the ice delivery control system 300 that implements an operational routine for operating the ice transportation system 10 of the second embodiment. Although those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize many suitable means for executing an operational routine for the second embodiment of the ice transportation system 10 of the second embodiment, the ice delivery control system 300 comprises a standard microcontroller widely known in the industry.

The ice delivery control system 300 in the example of the second embodiment electrically connects with the ice transportation system 10 and the components thereof, and, in particular, with the ice source 200, the ice storage 201, the vacuum motor 205, the vacuum motor 260, the driver 231 of the metering system 213, the valves 273-275, and each of the ice request units 293.

The ice source 200 includes an ice storage sensory system 203 that comprises any suitable means capable of sensing the level of ice within the ice storage 201 and signaling the ice delivery control system 300. In the second embodiment, the ice storage sensory system 203 is an optic sensor, such as photo-emitter and detector pair, which determines the level of ice within the ice storage 203 and outputs a signal to the ice delivery control system 300. Responsive to a signal from the ice storage sensory system 203 indicating the ice storage 201 requires ice, the ice delivery control system 300 activates the ice source 200 (an icemaker in the second embodiment) and begins to deposit ice within the ice storage 201. Likewise, responsive to a signal from the ice storage sensory system 203 indicating the ice storage 201 holds a desired amount of ice, the ice delivery control system 300 deactivates the ice source 200.

When one of the ice request units 293 outputs an ice request signal requesting the ice delivery control system 300 deliver ice to one of the ice receptacles 270-272, the ice delivery control system 300 responsive thereto activates the ice delivery device within the ice storage 200, the vacuum motor 205, the vacuum motor 260, and the driver 231 of the metering system 213. Furthermore, the ice delivery control system 300 activates the valve 273-275 corresponding with the requesting ice receptacle 270-272 and its ice request unit 293. In particular, the valve 273-275 located in the plenum input tube 263-265 associated with the requesting ice receptacle 270-272 opens such that the positive pressure system 220 applies the plenum condition at the plenum input port 214-216 of the valve assembly 210 connected with the open plenum input tube 263-265 as well as its corresponding plenum output port 217-219 thereby delivering ice to the appropriate ice receptacle 270-272.

The ice delivery device within the ice storage 200 deposits ice into the ice transport tube 207 of the negative pressure system 204 whereupon the ice is acted upon by the partial vacuum created by the vacuum motor 205 and transported through the ice transport tube 207, the airflow separator 208, and the ice delivery tube 209. After passing into the ice delivery tube 209, ice travels through the ice delivery tube 209 and into the valve assembly 210.

The ice delivered into the valve assembly 210 enters the metering system 213 via the input aperture 250 whereupon the ice encounters the valve 230, which is rotating due to activation of the driver 231. The ice enters a pocket 238-242 of the valve 230 currently rotated beneath the input aperture 250. The ice within the pocket 238-242 then rotates about the chamber 212 of the valve assembly 210 until it reaches and aligns with the plenum input port 214-216 connected with the open plenum input tube 263-265 and its respective plenum output port 217-219. When the ice filled pocket 238-242 aligns with the plenum input port 214-216 and its respective plenum output port 217-219 experiencing the plenum condition created by the positive pressure system 220, the ice within the pocket 238-242 discharges through the plenum output port 217-219 and is transported via the plenum output tubes 266-268 to the corresponding ice receptacle 270-272.

Once a desired amount of ice has been delivered to the appropriate ice receptacle 270-272, the ice request unit 293 ends the ice request signal, and, responsive thereto, the ice delivery control system 300 deactivates the ice delivery device within the ice storage 200, the vacuum motor 205, the vacuum motor 260, and the driver 231 of the metering system 213. In addition, the ice delivery control system 300 closes the valve 273-275 located within the plenum input tube 263-265 associated with the previously requesting ice receptacle 270-272.

It should be understood that the ice delivery control system 300 may comprise a stand-alone unit for integration and engagement with the second embodiment of the ice transportation system 10. The ice delivery control system 300 may comprise a master controller that operates the components of the second embodiment of the ice transportation system 10 as well as any connected ice output system in place of control systems for the connected ice output systems. Alternatively, the ice delivery control system 300 may be a separate “add-on” unit linked and in engagement with each component of the second embodiment of the ice transportation system 10, such as controllers for the ice delivery device within the ice storage 200, the vacuum motor 205, the vacuum motor 260, the valves 273-275, the ice storage sensory system 203, and the driver 231 of the metering system 213, which operate independently in response to signals from the ice delivery control system 300.

Having previously described the operation of the ice storage sensory system 203, the ice delivery device within the ice storage 200, the vacuum motor 205, the vacuum motor 260, the valves 273-275, the driver 231 of the metering system 213, and the ice request unit 293 in conjunction with the ice delivery control system 300, the operational steps performed by the ice delivery control system 300 in delivering ice to the ice storage 200 and the ice receptacles 270-272 will be described herein with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. In FIGS. 12 and 13, diamond blocks represent decision functions and rectangular blocks represent processing and control functions.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, the ice delivery control system 300 begins in step 700 and continuously monitors the ice storage sensory system 203 to determine whether the ice storage 201 requires the delivery of ice. In particular, the ice delivery control system 300 in step 700 determines if the ice storage sensory system 203 has sent a signal requesting delivery of ice to the ice storage 201. If the ice storage sensory system 203 has not requested delivery of ice to the ice storage 201, the ice delivery control system 300 continues in step 700 to monitor the ice storage sensory system 203. Conversely, a request for ice delivery from the ice storage sensory system 203 results in the ice delivery control system 300 proceeding to step 701 and activating the ice source 200 (an ice maker in the first embodiment). Responsive thereto, the ice source 200 begins supplying ice to the ice storage 201. After activating the ice source 200, the ice delivery control system 300 proceeds to step 702 and determines whether the ice storage sensory system 203 has output a cease delivery signal. If the ice storage sensory system 203 has not output a cease delivery signal, the ice delivery control system 300 continues in step 702 to monitor the ice storage sensory system 203. Conversely, a cease delivery signal from the ice storage sensory system 203 results in the ice delivery control system 300 proceeding to step 703 and deactivating the ice source 200. Responsive thereto, the ice source 200 stops supplying ice to the ice storage 201. After deactivating the ice source 200, the ice delivery control system 300 returns to step 700 for continued monitoring of the ice storage sensory system 203 for a signal requesting ice.

In addition to monitoring the ice storage sensory system 203, the ice delivery control system 300 continuously monitors the ice request units 293 to determine whether the ice receptacles 270-272 require the delivery of ice. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the ice delivery control system 300 begins in step 800 and continuously monitors the ice request units 293 to determine whether an ice receptacle 270-272 requires the delivery of ice. In particular, the ice delivery control system 300 in step 800 determines if an ice request unit 293 has sent a signal requesting delivery of ice to a particular ice receptacle 270-272. If an ice request unit 293 has not requested delivery of ice to an ice receptacle 270-272, the ice delivery control system 300 continues in step 800 to monitor the ice request units 293. Conversely, a request for ice delivery from an ice request unit 293 results in the ice delivery control system 300 proceeding to step 801 and activating the ice delivery device within the ice storage 200, the vacuum motor 205, the vacuum motor 260, and the driver 231 of the metering system 213. In addition, the ice delivery control system 300 opens the valve 273-275 located within the plenum input tube 263-265 associated with the requesting ice receptacle 270-272.

After activating the ice delivery device within the ice delivery device within the ice storage 200, the vacuum motor 205, the vacuum motor 260, the driver 231 of the metering system 213, and opening the appropriate valve 273-275 that corresponds with the requesting ice receptacle 270-272, the ice delivery control system 300 proceeds to step 802 and determines whether the requesting ice request unit 293 has output a cease delivery signal. If the requesting ice request unit 293 has not output a cease delivery signal, the ice delivery control system 300 continues in step 802 to monitor the ice request unit 293. Conversely, a cease delivery signal from the requesting ice request unit 293 results in the ice delivery control system 300 proceeding to step 803 and deactivating the ice delivery device within the ice storage 200, the vacuum motor 205, the vacuum motor 260, and the driver 231 of the metering system 213. In addition, the ice delivery control system 300 closes the valve 273-275 located within the plenum input tube 263-265 associated with the previously requesting ice receptacle 270-272.

Responsive thereto, the ice delivery device within the ice storage 200, the vacuum motor 205, the vacuum motor 260, and the driver 231 of the metering system 213 cease the delivery of ice to the requesting ice receptacle 270-272. After deactivating the ice delivery device within the ice delivery device within the ice storage 200, the vacuum motor 205, the vacuum motor 260, the driver 231 of the metering system 213, and closing the open valve 273-275, the ice delivery control system 300 returns to step 800 for continued monitoring of the ice request unit 293 for a signal requesting ice.

Although the present invention has been described in terms of the foregoing embodiment, such description has been for exemplary purposes only and, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, many alternatives, equivalents, and variations of varying degrees will fall within the scope of the present invention. That scope, accordingly, is not to be limited in any respect by the foregoing description; rather, it is defined only by the claims that follow. 

1. An ice transportation system, comprising: an ice storage; a negative pressure system adapted to receive ice from the ice storage; a positive pressure system adapted to deliver ice to an ice receptacle; a valve assembly that interfaces the negative pressure system and the positive pressure system; and an ice delivery control system coupled with the ice storage, the negative pressure system, the valve assembly, and the positive pressure system, wherein the ice delivery control system controls the delivery of ice from the negative pressure system to the positive pressure system.
 2. The ice transportation system according to claim 1, wherein the valve assembly regulates the flow of ice from the negative pressure system into the positive pressure system while maintaining an airlock condition that preserves a partial vacuum in the negative pressure system and a plenum condition in the positive pressure system.
 3. The ice transportation system according to claim 2, wherein the valve assembly comprises: a housing including an output tube communicating with the positive pressure system, wherein the housing defines a chamber including an input aperture communicating with the negative pressure system and an output aperture communicating with the output tube; and a metering system disposed in the chamber for metering ice flow from the input aperture to the output aperture.
 4. The ice transportation system according to claim 1, wherein, the ice flow rate of the negative pressure system is synched to the ice flow rate of the positive pressure system, and the valve assembly interfaces the negative pressure system with the positive pressure system such that ice does not accumulate within the ice transportation system.
 5. The ice transportation system according to claim 3, wherein the metering system and the chamber combine to maintain the airlock condition within the valve assembly.
 6. The ice transportation system according to claim 3, wherein the metering system is a rotary gate valve.
 7. The ice transportation system according to claim 3, wherein the metering system comprises a valve and a driver.
 8. The ice transportation system according to claim 7, wherein the driver is an electric motor.
 9. The ice transportation system according to claim 7, wherein the valve comprises blades and a shaft, wherein the blades connect to and rotate around the shaft.
 10. The ice transportation system according to claim 9, wherein the shaft connects to and is rotated by the driver.
 11. The ice transportation system according to claim 9, wherein the blades and the chamber create pockets within the chamber.
 12. The ice transportation system according to claim 11, wherein the pockets compartmentalize the chamber creating an airtight seal within the chamber that separates the partial vacuum of the negative pressure system and the plenum condition of the positive pressure system.
 13. The ice transportation system according to claim 11, wherein the pockets store and transport ice within the chamber, moving ice from the input aperture to the output aperture.
 14. The ice transportation system according to claim 11, wherein the rotation of the blades allows ice to fill the pockets when the pockets reside under the input aperture and allows ice to discharge into the output tube when the pockets reside over the output aperture.
 15. The ice transportation system according to claim 1, wherein: the ice storage includes an ice storage sensory system that monitors ice levels within the ice storage; the ice storage is coupled with an ice source that delivers ice to the ice storage; and the ice delivery control system is electrically connected with the ice source and the ice storage sensory system, wherein: the ice delivery control system activates the ice source to deposit ice within the ice storage responsive to a signal from the ice storage sensory system indicating the ice storage requires ice, and the ice delivery control system deactivates the ice source responsive to a signal from the ice storage sensory system indicating the ice storage holds a desired amount of ice.
 16. The ice transportation system according to claim 1, wherein the ice storage further includes an ice delivery device that moves ice stored within the ice storage into the negative pressure system.
 17. The ice transportation system according to claim 1, further comprising an ice request unit that outputs an ice request signal to the ice control system.
 18. The ice transportation system according to claim 16, wherein the ice request unit is a stand-alone device.
 19. The ice transportation system according to claim 16, wherein the ice request unit is integrated with the ice receptacle.
 20. The ice transportation system according to claim 16, wherein the ice delivery control system is electrically connected with the ice storage, a vacuum motor of the negative pressure system, a vacuum motor of the positive pressure system, the valve assembly, and the ice request unit.
 21. The ice transportation system according to claim 19, wherein: the ice delivery control system, responsive to an ice request signal from the ice request unit, activates an ice delivery device within the ice storage to facilitate ice delivery from the ice storage to the negative pressure system, the vacuum motor of the negative pressure system to facilitate ice delivery from the negative pressure system to the valve assembly, the valve assembly to facilitate a metered delivery of ice from the negative pressure system to the positive pressure system, and the vacuum motor of the positive pressure system to facilitate ice delivery from the positive pressure system to the ice receptacle; and the ice delivery control system, responsive to a signal from the ice request unit indicating a desired amount of ice has been delivered to the ice receptacle, deactivates the ice delivery device within the ice storage, the vacuum motor of the negative pressure system, the valve assembly, and the vacuum motor of the positive pressure system to stop ice delivery to the ice receptacle.
 22. The ice transportation system according to claim 20, wherein: the valve assembly comprises a driver coupled with a rotary gate valve; and the ice delivery control system is electrically connected with and controls the driver such that activation of the driver rotates the rotary gate valve and facilitates the transport of ice from the negative pressure system to the positive pressure system while maintaining an airlock condition within the valve assembly.
 23. The ice transportation system according to claim 2, wherein the valve assembly comprises: a housing defining a chamber including an input aperture communicating with the negative pressure system, the chamber further including: a first plenum input port communicating with the positive pressure system, a first plenum output port aligned with the first plenum input port and communicating with the positive pressure system, a second plenum input port communicating with the positive pressure system, and a second plenum output port aligned with the second plenum input port and communicating with the positive pressure system; and a metering system disposed in the chamber for metering ice flow from the input aperture to one of the first plenum output port and the second plenum output port.
 24. The ice transportation system according to claim 23, wherein the positive pressure system comprises: a first plenum input tube coupled with the first plenum input port; a first plenum output tube coupled with the first plenum output port; and a first valve disposed in the first plenum input tube, wherein opening the first valve applies the plenum condition to the first plenum input port, thereby delivering ice from the metering system into the first plenum output tube via the first plenum output port.
 25. The ice transportation system according to claim 24, wherein the positive pressure system comprises: a second plenum input tube coupled with the second plenum input port; a second plenum output tube coupled with the second plenum output port; and a second valve disposed in the second plenum input tube, wherein opening the second valve applies the plenum condition to the second plenum input port, thereby delivering ice from the metering system into the second plenum output tube via the second plenum output port.
 26. The ice transportation system according to claim 23, wherein the metering system and the chamber combine to maintain the airlock condition within the valve assembly.
 27. The ice transportation system according to claim 23, wherein the metering system is a rotary gate valve.
 28. The ice transportation system according to claim 25, wherein the metering system comprises a valve and a driver.
 29. The ice transportation system according to claim 28, wherein the driver is an electric motor.
 30. The ice transportation system according to claim 28, wherein the valve comprises blades and a shaft, wherein the blades connect to and rotate around the shaft.
 31. The ice transportation system according to claim 30, wherein the shaft connects to and is rotated by the driver.
 32. The ice transportation system according to claim 30, wherein the blades and the chamber create pockets within the chamber.
 33. The ice transportation system according to claim 32, wherein the pockets compartmentalize the chamber creating an airtight seal within the chamber that separates the partial vacuum of the negative pressure system and the plenum condition of the positive pressure system.
 34. The ice transportation system according to claim 32, wherein the rotation of the blades: fills the pockets when the pockets reside under the input aperture; moves the ice toward the first plenum output port and the second plenum output port; and discharges the ice into the into the first plenum output tube via the first plenum output port when the first valve is open and into the second plenum output tube via the second plenum output port when the second valve is open.
 35. The ice transportation system according to claim 25, wherein: the ice delivery control system, responsive to an ice request signal, activates an ice delivery device within the ice storage to facilitate ice delivery from the ice storage to the negative pressure system, a vacuum motor of the negative pressure system to facilitate ice delivery from the negative pressure system to the valve assembly, one of the first and the second valves, the metering system of the valve assembly to facilitate a metered delivery of ice from the negative pressure system to the positive pressure system, and a vacuum motor of the positive pressure system to facilitate ice delivery from the positive pressure system to an ice receptacle; and the ice delivery control system, responsive to a signal indicating a desired amount of ice has been delivered to the ice receptacle, deactivates the ice delivery device within the ice storage, the vacuum motor of the negative pressure system, the activated one of the first and the second valves, the metering system, and the vacuum motor of the positive pressure system to stop ice delivery to the ice receptacle.
 36. A method of transporting ice, comprising: delivering ice into a negative pressure system; creating a partial vacuum in the negative pressure system thereby flowing ice from the negative pressure system into a valve assembly; metering ice from the valve assembly to a positive pressure system; creating a plenum condition in the positive pressure system thereby flowing ice from the positive pressure system into an ice receptacle; and maintaining an airlock condition in the valve assembly that preserves the partial vacuum in the negative pressure system and the plenum condition in the positive pressure system.
 37. The method of transporting ice according to claim 36, wherein metering ice from the valve assembly to a positive pressure system, comprises: rotating a rotary gate valve of the valve assembly, the rotary gate valve including a plurality of pockets; delivering ice into a pocket when the pocket is rotated to communicate with an input aperture; and delivering ice from the pocket when the pocket is rotated to communicate with an output aperture.
 38. The method of transporting ice according to claim 36, wherein metering ice from the valve assembly to a positive pressure system, comprises: rotating a rotary gate valve of the valve assembly, the rotary gate valve including a plurality of pockets; delivering ice into a pocket when the pocket is rotated to communicate with an input aperture; delivering ice from the pocket when the pocket is rotated to communicate with a first plenum output port having the plenum condition applied thereto; and delivering ice from the pocket when the pocket is rotated to communicate with a second plenum output port having the plenum condition applied thereto.
 39. The method of transporting ice according to claim 36, wherein ice delivery to the ice receptacle begins when an ice request unit outputs an ice request signal and ends when the ice request unit ceases output of the ice request signal. 